Water treatment system

ABSTRACT

A water treatment system includes an ozone generator combined with an electrolytic chlorine generator in a compact, efficient and serviceable assembly. The system may include a modular and replaceable ozone generator, which allows a damaged or non-functional ozone generator to be quickly and efficiently replaced. In order to protect the ozone generator from damage, a fail-safe drain valve assembly may also be provided which will expel backflowing pool water before it is allowed to backflow into the ozone generator. The water treatment system may further include an insulated electrolytic chlorine generator that mitigates or eliminates current leakage for efficient operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/498,919, filed Sep. 27, 2019, which is a national stage ofPCT/I132018/052242, filed Mar. 31, 2018, which is an InternationalPatent Application claiming priority from each of the following Chinesepriority applications:

Chinese Application No. Filing Date CN 201720344145.2 Apr. 1, 2017 CN201720341531.6 Apr. 1, 2017 CN 201720341325.5 Apr. 1, 2017 CN201721531399.1 Nov. 16, 2017 CN 201721500831.0 Nov. 10, 2017,the entire disclosures of which are all hereby expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a water treatment system which can beused with a pool for water disinfection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ozone is a strong disinfectant, so ozone technology has been widely usedin various contexts. For example, ozone may be used to disinfect thewater in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and the like. Ozone, because ofits small size, can rapidly spread and penetrate bacteria, spores, andviruses in water, and effectively and efficiently oxidizes and destroysvarious tissue substances of bacteria, viruses, and algae. In addition,ozone does not have a strong odor, which can play a role in improvingwater quality in terms of taste, smell, and color. In commercialapplications, ozone is generated by an ozone generator and connected toa swimming pool.

Specialized ozone generators designed for placement below the waterlevel. During periods when the ozone generator is not generating ozonefor disinfection, a one-way check valve or solenoid may be used to sealthe generator intake to prevent backflow of swimming pool water towardthe ozone generator. Such a valve protects the ozone generation element,because a valve failure can lead to damage of the ozone generator. Oneexample of an existing “one-way ozone gas check valve device” can befound in Chinese Patent No. CN201818845U.

An ozone generator's service life is also affected by ambient serviceconditions, including the humidity of the working environment, theprevalence of dust or other particular matter, and other factors.Because pool areas can be demanding work environments for ozonegenerators, pool disinfection units may have regular maintenance needs.In many cases, maintenance is performed by a manufacturer such that theozone generator must be taken out of service, sent to an offsitelocation, repaired and returned to service at the service site.

In addition to ozone, sodium hypochlorite may be used as a disinfectantfor pools, spas and the like. It dissolves in water and can destroy thecell wall and cell membrane of cells, and then destroy DNA through thecell membrane to achieve sterilization. In typical applications, sodiumhypochlorite is generated by an electrolytic chlorine generator, whichis connected to a swimming pool through a water pipe for disinfection ofthe water. In commercial applications, sodium hypochlorite and ozone maybe used together to sterilize the pool water of a swimming pool. Forexample, separate pipelines may connect sodium hypochlorite and ozonegenerators to the pool water for disinfection.

For electrolytic chlorine generators using side-by-side electrodeplates, slowly moving edge bubbles may be produced on the edge of theelectrode plates during electrolysis due to the fact that some edges ofthe electrode plates are exposed in the salt water, leading to theconduction between the edges of adjacent electrode plates and forming aleakage current that is not involved in the electrolysis. This leakedcurrent represents a loss of electrolysis capacity and can result in lowelectrolysis efficiency.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a water treatment system which includesan ozone generator combined with an electrolytic chlorine generator in acompact, efficient and serviceable assembly. The system may include amodular and replaceable ozone generator, which allows a damaged ornon-functional ozone generator to be quickly and efficiently replaced.In order to protect the ozone generator from damage, a fail-safe drainvalve assembly may also be provided which will expel backflowing poolwater before it is allowed to backflow into the ozone generator. Thewater treatment system may further include an insulated electrolyticchlorine generator that mitigates or eliminates current leakage forefficient operation.

In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides a water treatmentsystem configured for use with a pool. The water treatment systemincludes a housing defining a chamber and including a first matingstructure and a nozzle receiver, a cover removably coupled to thehousing to selectively open and close the chamber, and an ozonegenerator removably received within the chamber, the ozone generatorincluding a second mating structure and a discharge nozzle configured todischarge ozone gas. When the ozone generator is seated in the chamber,the second mating structure mates with the first mating structure, andthe discharge nozzle sealingly engages the nozzle receiver to dischargeozone gas to the nozzle receiver.

In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a watertreatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatmentsystem includes a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the pool,an ozone generator configured to deliver ozone gas to the fluidpassageway, and a drain valve assembly positioned downstream of theozone generator and upstream of the pool. The drain valve assemblyincludes a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a drain outlet,and a floating valve disposed within the valve body, wherein thefloating valve closes the drain outlet when water enters the inlet ofthe valve body from the ozone generator and floats upward to open thedrain outlet when water enters the outlet of the valve body from thepool.

In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a watertreatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatmentsystem includes an electrolytic chlorine generator, an ozone generator,a first fluid passageway including the electrolytic chlorine generator,a second fluid passageway including a venturi structure with a suctioninlet configured to receive ozone gas from the ozone generator, a fluidinlet in communication with the first and second fluid passageways, anda fluid outlet in communication with the first and second fluidpassageways.

In still another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a watertreatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatmentsystem includes a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the pool,and an electrolytic chlorine generator disposed in the fluid passagewayand including an insulating frame, a first electrode plate supported bythe insulating frame and having a first side edge, a second electrodeplate supported by the insulating frame and having a second side edgepositioned adjacent to the first side edge of the first electrode plate,and an insulating separator positioned between the first and secondelectrode plates, the insulting separator protruding outward beyond thefirst and second side edges.

In still another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a watertreatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatmentsystem includes a housing defining a chamber, an electrolytic chlorinegenerator supported by the housing, an ozone generator removablyreceived within the chamber of the housing, a first fluid passagewayincluding the electrolytic chlorine generator, a second fluid passagewayincluding a venturi structure with a suction inlet configured to receiveozone gas from the ozone generator, a drain valve assembly positioneddownstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the pool, wherein thedrain valve assembly includes a floating valve that closes a drainoutlet when water enters the drain valve assembly from the ozonegenerator and floats to open the drain outlet when water enters thedrain valve assembly from the pool. In certain embodiments, theelectrolytic chlorine generator includes an insulating frame, a firstelectrode plate supported by the insulating frame and having a firstside edge, a second electrode plate supported by the insulating frameand having a second side edge positioned adjacent to the first side edgeof the first electrode plate, and an insulating separator positionedbetween the first and second electrode plates, the insulting separatorprotruding outward beyond the first and second side edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the invention itself will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of embodiments of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a water treatment systemhaving a modular and replaceable ozone generator, a removable cover, anda combination ozone/sodium hypochlorite treatment system in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water treatment system of FIG. 1 ,shown fully assembled;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base of the water treatment system ofFIG. 1 , illustrating attachment of the ozone generator thereto;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receiver of the base, together withthe ozone generator received by the receiver;

FIG. 5 is an elevation, cross-section view of a drain valve assemblymade in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the connection between the drain valveassembly of FIG. 5 , the upstream combination treatment assembly, and adownstream pool;

FIG. 7 is another schematic view of the connection shown in FIG. 6 ,except with a backflow flowing from the pool through the drain valveassembly;

FIG. 8 is an elevation, cross-section view of another drain valveassembly made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an elevation, cross-section view of another drain valveassembly made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a connection between the drain valveassembly of FIG. 9 , the upstream combination treatment assembly, and abackflow flowing from the pool;

FIG. 11 is an elevation, cross-section view of another drain valveassembly made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a plan, cross-sectional view of a drain valve assembly madein accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a combination ozone/sodium hypochloritetreatment assembly made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the combinationtreatment assembly shown in FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the combination treatment assemblyshown in FIG. 13 , in combination with a schematic representation ofother system components;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another combination ozone/sodiumhypochlorite treatment assembly made in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the combinationtreatment assembly shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation, cross-sectional view of the combinationtreatment assembly shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation, cross-sectional view of a portion of thecombination treatment assembly shown in FIG. 18 , illustrating a flowcontrol valve in a restricted position;

FIG. 20 is another side elevation, cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe combination treatment assembly shown in FIG. 18 , illustrating aflow control valve in an open position;

FIG. 21 is an elevation cross-section view of the flow control valveshown in FIG. 19 , taken along line b-b of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an electrolytic chlorine generator madein accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation, cross-sectional view of the electrolyticchlorine generator shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is another side elevation, cross-sectional view of theelectrolytic chlorine generator shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an insulated electrode assembly of theelectrolytic chlorine generator shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the insulated electrode assembly ofFIG. 25 ; and

FIG. 27 is a plan, cross-section view of the insulated electrodeassembly of FIG. 25 , taken along line a-a of FIG. 26 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a water treatment system 10 is shown fordisinfecting and maintaining the cleanliness of the water in a pool,spa, or other water containment structure. For purposes of the presentdisclosure, “pool” may be used to refer to any water enclosure (i.e., anarea designed to pool water), including swimming pools, spas, hot tubsand the like. As described in detail below, water treatment system 10includes a number of features for ease of use and maintenance, longservice life, and effective operation. Such features include a modularand replaceable ozone generator 3 (FIG. 1 ), a drain valve assembly 1001(FIG. 5 ) designed to protect an ozone generator, such as the modularozone generator 3, from water backflow, a combination ozone/sodiumhypochlorite treatment assembly 2001, 3001 (FIGS. 13 and 16 ,respectively) which allow ozone generation and electrochlorination to beefficiently used in combination for pool disinfection, and an insulatedelectrolytic chlorine generator 4010 (FIG. 23 ) which protects theelectrolysis element from an incidental or accidental moisture exposure.

1. Replaceable Ozone Generator Module

Water treatment system 10 of FIG. 1 includes a modular and replaceableozone generator 3 that is configured to generate ozone gas. Ozonegenerator 3 is removably mounted to a housing (specifically, a base 1 ofthe housing). Ozone generator 3 is sized and shaped for receipt in achamber 2 defined by the housing and is removably coupled to base 1 viaa dovetail arrangement between ozone generator 3 and receiver 5 (FIG. 3), as detailed below. When ozone generator 3 is fully seated withinchamber 2, an ozone discharge nozzle 32 (FIG. 3 ) is aligned andsealingly engaged with an ozone nozzle receiver 21 (FIG. 3 ) of base 1,such that the outflow of ozone gas generated by ozone generator 3 can bedirected to a pool via other piping structures within the housing, suchas via combination treatment assemblies 2001 and/or 3001 as detailedbelow. A detachable cover 4 is provided to selectively close chamber 2when cover 4 is coupled to the surrounding housing, thereby coveringozone generator 3, and to open chamber 2 when cover 4 is detached fromthe housing, thereby exposing ozone generator 3.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , receiver 5 is disposed within chamber 2 andincludes a first mating structure, illustratively rails 51, which matewith a second mating structure formed on ozone generator 3,illustratively respective grooves 31, to form a mating connectiontherebetween, illustratively a dovetail connection. In particular, arail 51 is respectively arranged on both sides of the upper surface ofthe receiver 5, and two corresponding grooves 31 are provided on thelower surface of the ozone generator 3. When the ozone generator 3 isinstalled into or removed from the chamber 2, grooves 31 slide overrails 51 to constrain the movement of ozone generator 3 to asubstantially linear front-to-back direction D (FIG. 4 ), whilepreventing any significant lateral and vertical motion therebetween. Anyfriction between the ozone generator 3 and the chamber 2 can be reducedthrough lubricity and appropriate tolerancing between the rails 51 andthe grooves 31. Although grooves 31 are shown in connection with ozonegenerator 3 and rails 51 are shown in connection with receiver 5, thisarrangement may of course be reversed such that rails 51 are disposed onthe ozone generator 3 and grooves 31 are disposed on the receiver 5 ofthe base 1.

The dovetail connection between receiver 5 and ozone generator 3 alsofacilitates a precise and fluid-tight gas junction between ozone nozzlereceiver 21 within chamber 2 when ozone generator 3 is installed ontothe base 1. As the ozone generator 3 is advanced along direction D (FIG.4 ) toward its fully seated position within chamber 2 (where the fullyseated position is the position shown in FIG. 2 ), the rails 51 aresubstantially fully engaged within the corresponding grooves 31 suchthat lateral and vertical constraints are near a maximum. The dischargenozzle 32 advances rearwardly along direction D1 (FIG. 3 ), which isparallel to direction D defined by rails 51 and grooves 31. Thus, asrails 51 and grooves become fully engaged, discharge nozzle 32 alsobecomes precisely aligned with ozone nozzle receiver 21 and afluid-tight connection can easily be made therebetween upon finalseating of ozone generator 3 in chamber 2.

Despite this precision, a certain amount of lateral and/or verticaldeviation may be designed in to the dovetail connection formed by rails51 and grooves 31, such as to ensure a low-friction interfacetherebetween. In order to accommodate this intentional deviation,without any leaks or undue stresses at the connection between dischargenozzle 32 and nozzle receiver 21, a tapered guide surface 22 is providedat the opening of nozzle receiver 21, as best seen in FIG. 4 . As theozone generator 3 approaches its final seated position within thechamber 2, any slight deviation from perfect alignment between dischargenozzle 32 and nozzle receiver 21 permitted by the dovetail connectionbetween rails 51 and grooves 31, is remedied by tapered guide surface22. In particular, tapered guide surface 22 may made initial contactwith a misaligned discharge nozzle 32, and then gradually correct thealignment until discharge nozzle 32 comes into sealing engagement withnozzle receiver 21 by the tapered guide surface 22.

In an exemplary embodiment, any live electrical parts associated withthe activation of ozone generator 3 are shielded from operator access bythe design of water treatment system 10. In particular, live electricalcomponents are absent from chamber 2 when ozone generator 3 is removed,and the electrical components within ozone generator 3 are madeinaccessible via the housing of ozone generator 3. Electrical componentsconnected to control panel 12, including a power switch, a fuse andrelated wiring, are isolated from chamber 2 by an internal divider asshown in FIG. 1 . Electrical power for ozone generator 3 is conveyedfrom control panel 12 to ozone generator 3 via receptacle 14 on ozonegenerator 3 and electrical connector 16 connected to base 1. In theillustrated embodiment, connector 16 can pivot downwardly (as shown) toallow ozone generator 3 to pass freely into or out of chamber 2 withoutinterference. Once ozone generator 3 is seated within chamber 2,connector 16 can be pivoted up to engage receptacle 14 and electricallyconnect therewith. Connector 16 can selectively provide power toreceptacle 14, and therefore to ozone generator 3, when so connected. Inone embodiment, connector 16 is non-powered when pivoted down as shownin FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the electrically conductive components ofconnector 16 may be physically isolated from the operator, in the mannerof an insulated plug. Together, these features ensure that the user doesnot touch the live parts when replacing the ozone generator 3, therebyenhancing the safety of water treatment system 10.

A circular hole 52 may be formed in receiver 5 as best shown in FIGS. 3and 4 . A cooling fan 6 (FIG. 3 ) is mounted within base 1 at thecircular hole 52. The fan 6 can discharge heat generated by the ozonegenerator 3, such that the heat is forced out of chamber 2. Thisprevents the ozone generator 3 from being damaged due to overheating,thereby prolonging the service life of ozone generator 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, a handle 33 may be provided on the outerside of the ozone generator 3 to facilitate the removal and replacementthereof. In use, an operator may grasp the handle 33, and pull on handle33 to conveniently remove the ozone generator 3 from the chamber 2, orpush on handle 33 to place ozone generator 3 in the chamber 2.Similarly, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of therear cover 4, a handle may be provided on the rear cover 4 in the formof a pair of gripping holes 41.

The modular replaceability of ozone generator 3 within the largerstructure of water treatment system 10 facilitates the replacement ofthe ozone generator 3 should it become damaged or in need of service.Because only the ozone generator 3 needs to be replaced, suchmaintenance or repair operations are simpler, lower-cost, and caninvolve less down time if a spare ozone generator 3 is kept readilyavailable.

In use, an operator may assess the operation state of ozone generator 3.If ozone generator 3 is damaged or otherwise in need of replacement, theoperator removes the rear cover 4 on the chamber 2 to expose the ozonegenerator 3, which is then removed from the chamber 2 by sliding ozonegenerator 3 along horizontal direction D defined by the dovetailengagement between ozone generator 3 and receiver 5, as shown in FIG. 4and described above. Discharge nozzle 32 of the ozone generator 3becomes separated from nozzle receiver 21 during the initial withdrawalof ozone generator 3, after which ozone generator 3 can be slid the restof the way out of chamber 2. Then, functional ozone generator 3 can beput into the chamber 2 via the dovetail arrangement, with dischargenozzle 32 becoming aligned with nozzle receiver 21 via tapered guidesurface 22. When ozone generator 3 is fully seated within chamber 2,discharge nozzle 32 is sealingly engaged with nozzle receiver 21.Finally, the rear cover 4 may be reconnected to the opening of chamber2.

2. Protective Drain Valve Assembly

Water treatment system 10 is connected to a pool 1003 via a pair ofwater flow couplers 18 (FIGS. 1-3 and 6 ). Water enters an intakecoupler 18, is treated with ozone from ozone generator 3, and dischargedat the opposing outlet coupler 18. In an exemplary embodiment, thedischarge flow line downstream of water treatment system 10 may includedrain valve assembly 1001 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , which operates toprotect ozone generator 3 and other sensitive components of watertreatment system 10 from a potentially damaging water backflow from pool1003.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , drain valve assembly 1001 includes a hollowvalve body 1011, illustrated as a bucket-shaped portion 1011A having acap 1011B sealingly affixed thereto. An upstream wall of the valve body1011 has an inlet 1111 in fluid communication with a combinationtreatment assembly 2001, 3001, while an opposing downstream wall of thevalve body (illustratively, the cap 1011B) has an outlet 1112 in fluidcommunication with pool 1003 and a drain outlet 1113 formedtherethrough.

A float 1012 is disposed inside the valve body 1011 and is capable ofmoving upwardly and downwardly through a stroke length within theinterior cavity of valve body 1011. As float 1012 moves upwardly ordownwardly, a sealing gasket 1013 is unseated or seated into water drainoutlet 1113, such that gasket 1013 either allows or prevents a fluidflow through drain outlet 1113. In the illustrated embodiment, thesealing gasket 1013 is disposed at a free end 1141 of a connecting rod1014, with the other end of the connecting rod 1014 pivotally connectedto the valve body 1011 (e.g., via a stanchion connected to cap 1011B asshown). Below the float 1012 is provided another connecting rod 1121,which is directly or indirectly pivotally connected with the free end1141 of the connecting rod 1014. When the float 1012 is directly pivotedto the connecting rod 1014, the float 1012 may tend to oscillate, andthus a second link 1015 can be pivotally connected between theconnecting rod 1014 and the float 1012 to create an indirect pivotalconnection between the connecting rods 1014 and 1121, which mitigates orprevents oscillation or “bobbing” of float 1012.

As noted above and as shown in FIG. 6 , the drain valve assembly 1001can be installed between the combination treatment assembly 2001, 3001,and the pool 1003, such that the combination treatment assembly 2001,3001, is generally upstream of drain valve assembly 1001 and pool 1003is generally downstream of drain valve assembly 1001 with respect to thenormal flow direction from water treatment system 10 to pool 1003. Aone-way valve 1004 may also be installed on the downstream side of valve1001, at outlet 1112 as shown in FIG. 6 . When the water treatmentsystem 10 is operating, the treated water enters the inside of the valvebody 1011 via inlet 1111 of the drain valve assembly 1001, exits drainvalve assembly 1001 via outlet 1112 and then passes through the checkvalve 1004 into the swimming pool 1003. In this normal operatingcondition, gravity and the downstream flow of treated water bias float1012 and free end 1141 of connecting rod 1014 downwardly, such that thesealing gasket 1013 seals the water drain outlet 1113. Thus, fluid isonly allowed to flow from inlet 1111 to outlet 1112 during normaloperation of water treatment system 10.

However, if water treatment system 10 malfunctions or powers off andceases providing a downstream flow of treated water, check valve 1004may initially prevent the water in the pool 1003 from flowing back tothe ozone generator 3 via the combination treatment assembly 2001, 3001.If the check valve 1004 is abnormal and also malfunctions or fails, asdepicted in FIG. 7 , any upstream water pressure from pool 1003 isprevented from reaching ozone generator 3 of water treatment system 10by drain valve assembly 1001. In particular, as reverse water pressure(or “backflow”) from pool 1003 begins to flood the internal cavity ofvalve body 1011 through outlet 1112, float 1012 becomes buoyant andbegins to rise with the increasing water level. As float 1012 rises, thefree end 1141 of the connecting rod 1014 is pulled upwardly to disengagethe gasket 1013 from the drain outlet 1113 so that the drain outlet 1113is opened. Further water ingress into valve body 1011 is thenautomatically discharged at the drain outlet 1113. In this way, thedrain valve assembly 1001 can effectively protect the ozone generator 3of water treatment system 10 from backflowing water, even if check valve1004 fails or malfunctions.

FIG. 8 shows drain valve assembly 1001′, which is another drain valvedesign accordance with the present disclosure. Valve 1001′ is similar instructure and function to valve 1001 described above, and correspondingreferences numbers indicate corresponding structures among valves 1001,1001′. For example, valve 1001′ also includes a hollow valve body 1011and a float 1012 disposed in the valve body 1011. The valve body 1011also has an inlet 1111 and an outlet 1112 therethrough, and a drainoutlet 1113 is formed at the bottom thereof. A sealing gasket 1013 isalso connected below the float 1012 and the sealing gasket 1013 can besealed on the drain outlet 1113.

However, gasket 1013 of valve 1001′ is directly disposed on a boss 1122below the float 1012, which obviates the need for a connecting rod suchas connecting rods 1014, 1015 and 1121. Rather, gasket 1013 is directlymounted to float 1012.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show drain valve assembly 1001″, which is another drainvalve design accordance with the present disclosure. Valve 1001″ issimilar in structure and function to valves 1001 and 1001′ describedabove, and corresponding references numbers indicate correspondingstructures among valves 1001, 1001′, 1001″. For example, valve 1001″also includes a hollow valve body 1011 and a float 1012 disposed in thevalve body 1011. The valve body 1011 has an inlet 1111 and an outlet1112 therethrough, and a drain outlet 1113 is formed at the bottomthereof. The bottom of the float 1012 is provided with a boss 1122having a gasket 1013 mounted thereto, and the gasket 1013 can be sealedon the drain outlet 1113.

However, drain valve assembly 1001″ further includes a compressionspring 1016 operably disposed between the float 1012 and the valve body1011. When the float 1012 is in the lowered position with gasket 1013sealing drain outlet 1113, as shown in FIG. 9 , the spring 1016 ispreloaded such that it is slightly compressed. Spring 1016 provides adownward biasing force on float 1012, which aids in the formation of atight seal between gasket 1013 and drain outlet 1113. This tight sealprevents ozone from leaking at drain outlet 1113 during normal operationof drain valve assembly 1001″.

In an exemplary embodiment, a lower axial end of spring 1016 is mountedin a recess formed by an upwardly protruding boss 1124 formed on theupper end of the float 1012. Similarly, an upper axial end of spring1016 is received in a recess formed by a downwardly protruding boss 1114formed on the upper inside surface of the valve body 1011. The spring1016 is captured by the two bosses 1114, 1124, preventing any lateralmovement of spring 1016 within valve body 1011.

In operation, float 1012 of drain valve assemblies 1001′ and 1001″ maybe urged upwardly by a backflow of water from pool 1003 in a similarfashion as described above. With respect to drain valve assembly 1001″,FIG. 10 illustrates the upward axial displacement of float 1012resulting from such a backflow, against the biasing force of spring 1016and the weight of float 1012. This upward displacement unseats gasket1013 from drain outlet 1113, allowing the backflow to drain out of drainvalve assembly 1001″ (or drain valve assembly 1001′, in the absence ofspring 1016) to avoid water reaching water treatment system 10.

Turning now to FIG. 11 , drain valve assembly 1001′″ is another drainvalve design accordance with the present disclosure. Valve 1001′″ issimilar in structure and function to valves 1001, 1001′ and 1001″described above, and corresponding references numbers indicatecorresponding structures among valves 1001, 1001′, 1001″, 1001′. Forexample, valve 1001′″ also includes a hollow valve body 1011 and a float1012 disposed in the valve body 1011. The valve body 1011 has an inlet1111 and an outlet 1112 therethrough. At the bottom, there is a drainoutlet 1113. The bottom of the float 1012 is provided with a boss 1122having a gasket 1013 mounted thereto, and the gasket 1013 canselectively seal the drain outlet 1113.

However, drain valve assembly 1001′ has its inlet 1111 and the outlet1112 both formed at the top of above the valve body 1011, in contrast tovalves 1001, 1001′ and 1001″ which all show inlets 1111 disposed at atop portion of the valve body 1011 and outlets 1112 disposed at a bottomportion of the valve body 1011. Moreover, a drain valve assembly inaccordance with the present disclosure may have its inlet and outletdisposed at any position of the valve body 1011, provided the drainoutlet 1113 is disposed at a bottom portion the valve body 1011 to allowfor gravitational draining of backflowing water. In the case of valve1001′, backflowing water received at the top-mounted outlet 1112 willfall to the bottom of the valve body 1011 under the force of gravity,and will then drain from the drain outlet 1113.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary float 1012 which maybe used in conjunction with any of the valve designs discussed above,illustrating the positioning of the float 1012 within the cavity formedby valve body 1011. As shown, float 1012 may be a generally cylindricalstructure having a round appearance when viewed from above, and valvebody may define a correspondingly cylindrical cavity. In thisconfiguration, boss 1122 and gasket 1013 (FIGS. 8-11 ) are centered onthe bottom of float 1012 to engage a correspondingly centered drainoutlet 1113. This allows float 1012 to rotate about its longitudinalaxis within valve body 1011, without affecting its ability to create afluid-tight seal at drain outlet 1113. In order to ensure that thesealing gasket 1013 properly seats upon drain outlet 1113, however, itmay be desirable to ensure that radial (i.e. lateral) movement of float1012 relative to valve body 1011 is constrained. To this end, the outerperiphery of float 1012 includes a plurality of ribs 1123, shown in FIG.12 , which operate to center the float 1012 within valve body 1011 whileintroducing minimal friction between float 1012 and valve body 1011. Thegaps between the non-ribbed portions of float 1012 and the inner wall ofthe valve body 1011 allow free flow of gas and water during operation ofthe drain valve assembly 1001, 1001′, 1001″ or 1001′″.

The drain valve assemblies disclosed herein are particularly suitablefor ozone generator applications in high water pressure environments.The ability of the drain valve assembly to protect the ozone generatorfrom water ingress is reliable and long-lasting, and continues even if atraditional check valve experiences a failure. Moreover, references tothe use of valve “1001” in connection with water treatment system 10 andother structures herein, including such references appearing in thedrawings, may be considered a reference to any of drain valve assemblies1001, 1001′, 1001″ or 1001′″.

3. Ozone Generation and Electrolytic Chlorine Generation in Combination

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16 , a combination ozone/sodium hypochloritetreatment assembly 2001 compatible with water treatment system 10 isshown and includes a tube-shaped tank having a fluid inlet 2002 and afluid outlet 2003 which can be respectively connected to base 1 of watertreatment system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

As shown in FIG. 14 , a first flow passageway 2011 communicates withfluid inlet 2002, and fluid outlet 2003 via an intermediate mixingchamber 2015 while a separate second flow passageway 2012 communicatesfluid inlet 2002 and fluid outlet 2003 via mixing chamber 2015. Thefirst flow passageway 2011 has an electrolytic chlorine generator withelectrode plates 2004, specifically titanium electrode plates 2004. Thesecond passageway 2012 includes a constriction 2012A followed by adownstream opening 2012B to define a venturi structure. The second flowpassageway 2012 further incudes an ozone inlet 2013 (FIG. 15 ) to whichthe ozone generator 3 of water treatment system 10 can be connected inorder to feed ozone into combination treatment assembly 2001 as furtherdescribed below.

The fluid inlet 2002 of combination treatment assembly 2001 may beconnected to the fluid outlet of a water pump, which feeds water to besanitized into combination treatment assembly 2001. The fluid outlet2003 of combination treatment assembly 2001 is connected to the pool, tofeed sanitized water back to the pool. As water is received from thewater pump at the fluid inlet 2002, the incoming flow is divided intotwo water flows to first and second flow passages 2011 and 2012 forparallel treatment.

The water that flows into first flow passageway 2011 comes into contactwith titanium plate 2004 of the electrolytic chlorine generator, whichelectrolyzes salt in the water to produce sodium hypochlorite tosanitize the water flow. This generated sodium hypochlorite continueswith the sanitized flow of the water to the fluid outlet 2003 ofcombination treatment assembly 2001 and is returned to the pool. Thewater that flows into second flow passageway 2012 encounters the venturistructure 2012A, 2012B therein, such that a vacuum effect is generatedat the ozone inlet 2013. This vacuum draws the ozone generated by theozone generator 3 of water treatment system 10 into the water flowthrough passageway 2012 via the ozone inlet 2013. The ozone mixes withthe water flow in mixing chamber 2015 (FIG. 14 ), sanitizing the waterflow. This sanitized water flows to the fluid outlet 2003 of combinationtreatment assembly 2001 and is returned to the pool. The sodiumhypochlorite-containing water stream and the ozone-containing waterstream are also mixed with one another at the fluid outlet 2003, so thatthe combined sanitized water flows return to the pool together tosterilize the pool water.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , a retainer 2020 may be disposed in the firstpassageway 2011, and may retain the titanium plate 2004 while having anumber of apertures to ensure adequate contact of the water flow withthe titanium plate 2004. An electrical plug 2022 may be provided at oneend of combination treatment assembly 2001, and electrically connectedto plate 2004 as illustrated in FIG. 14 . In an exemplary embodiment,the titanium plate 2004 may be provided with a tantalum oxide coating ora tantalum oxide coating to enhance plate function.

In an exemplary embodiment of combination treatment assembly 2001, aflow rate monitoring switch 2005 can be disposed on the first passageway2011 and may be operable to selectively interrupt the flow of electricalcurrent to plate 2004 via plug 2022. Flow switch 2005 includes apivoting flapper 2006 in the flow path of flow passageway 2011. With asufficient flow of water through first passageway 2011, flapper 2006pivots upwardly toward switch 2008, and switch 2008 electricallyactivates the power supply to plug 2022 and plate 2004. By contrast,with an insufficient flow of water through first passageway 2011,flapper 2006 is unable to pivot upwardly toward switch 2008, so plug2022 and plate 2004 are deactivated. In this way, plate 2004 of theelectrolytic chlorine generator is prevented from receiving electricalcurrent in the absence of a sufficient flow of water through flowpassageway 2011, thereby protecting plate 2004 from overheating and anyassociated degradation.

Combination treatment assembly 2001 combines the electrolytic chlorinegenerator (e.g., the titanium plate 2004 and associated structures) andthe venturi structure 2012A, 2012B linked to ozone generator 3 into asingle unit contained within a relatively small overall space. Thissaves space and cost associated with piping for two separatesanitization flows, since only a single flow to inlet 2002 and fromoutlet 2003 is necessary to discharge the dual-sanitized flow fromcombination treatment assembly 2001.

Turning now to FIGS. 16-21 , a further combination treatment assembly3001 is shown which provides a flow regulator or restrictor 3007 toensure that the combination treatment assembly 3001 is capable ofeffectively drawing ozone and/or disinfectant to ensure the quality ofthe pool water disinfection, as described in detail below. Combinationtreatment assembly 3001 is substantially similar to combinationtreatment assembly 2001 described in detail above, with referencenumerals of combination treatment assembly 3001 analogous to thereference numerals used in combination treatment assembly 2001, exceptwith 1000 added thereto. Elements of combination treatment assembly 3001correspond to similar elements denoted by corresponding referencenumerals of combination treatment assembly 2001, except as otherwisenoted.

Similar to combination treatment assembly 2001, combination treatmentassembly 3001 includes a tube-shaped tank with a fluid inlet 3002 and afluid outlet 3003, first and second fluid passageways 3011 and 3012, anda fluid mixing chamber 3015 downstream of inlet 3002 and upstream ofoutlet 3003. The second fluid passageway 3012 forms a venturi structure3012A, 3012B with an ozone suction inlet 3013 (FIG. 16 ). An electrodeplate 3004 is provided in the fluid mixing chamber 3015 and adapted toperform electrochlorination on the salt water flow through passageway3011 and within mixing chamber 3015.

However, the first fluid passageway 3011 includes a flow regulatingvalve 3007 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 . Valve 3007 is disposed at theupstream end of the first fluid passageway 3011. Flow regulating valve3007 is operable to control the flow of water entering the firstpassageway 3011, as described in detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20 , a detailed view of regulating valve3007 is shown. As illustrated, valve 3007 includes a valve body 3071with base 3072 at an outlet end thereof, with a fluid outlet 3721 formedbetween the base 3072 and the valve body 3071. A limit block 3073 isconnected to the opposing inlet end of valve body 3071, and cooperateswith a valve 3074. The valve 3074 is disposed within valve body 3071 toselectively permit or restrict flow through regulating valve 3007 asfurther described below. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.21 , valve body 3071 has an elliptical shape to generally conform to theshape of flow passageway 3011, while valve end cap 3742 and theassociated valve seat 3731 are round as illustrated.

In particular, valve 3074 includes a longitudinal connecting portion3741 having an arched, rounded end cap 3742 disposed at the upstream endthereof. The inner diameter of the limit block 3073 is smaller than thatof the valve body 3071, with a valve seat 3731 formed as a stepped-downportion of block 3073 and configured to interact with end cap 3742 ofvalve body 3071 to regulate fluid flow through valve 3007. Under normaloperating conditions, the end cap 3742 is biased toward the valve seat3731 to form a restricted valve configuration as seen in FIG. 19 .

Spring 3075 is coiled between, and acts mutually upon, base 3072 andvalve 3074. Base 3072 is fixed, such that valve 3074 is biased towardthe constricted valve configuration of FIG. 19 by spring 3075. Base 3072includes guide post 3076 extending longitudinally through valve body3071, the outer periphery of which is sheathed with spring 3075. Valve3074 includes a generally tubular connecting portion 3741 received overthe outer periphery of guide post 3076 and spring 3075, as best seen inFIGS. 19 and 20 , such that a majority of spring 3075 is radiallycaptured between guide post 3076 and connecting portion 3741. In theillustrated embodiment, spring 3075 is a compression-type coil spring,though it is contemplated that other elastic members may be used.

When the combination treatment assembly 3001 receives a flow of waterfrom an upstream pump (not shown), particularly where the pump has alarge flow capacity, a large flow of water may be presented to fluidinlet 3002. Valve 3074 of the flow regulating valve 3007 is subjected toa downstream-directed force by the impact of the incoming flow, and thisforce is proportional to the water pressure provided by the upstreamwater pump. This force acts to compress spring 3075, thereby openingvalve 3074 to the high-flow configuration shown in FIG. 20 . This allowsan increased flow through the first fluid passageway 3011, and theremainder of the incoming flow passes through the second fluidpassageway 3012.

Conversely, in the case of an upstream pump that provides relatively lowwater pressure, valve 3074 is subjected to a relatively small impactforce from the incoming water flow. Spring 3075 will maintain valve 3074nearer to a restricted-flow configuration as shown in FIG. 19 , therebyensuring that a larger proportion of the incoming flow is delivered tothe second fluid passageway 3012 as compared to the FIG. 20configuration described above.

In this way, an adequate flow of water through the second fluidpassageway 3012 to produce the desired vacuum effect at venturistructure 3012A, 312B is ensured through a wide range of potentialupstream water pressures. This, in turn, ensures that ozone ordisinfectant is continuously drawn into the second fluid passageway 3012and mixed with the water therein. This disinfected water then mixes withthe water flow from the first fluid passageway 3011 in the mixingchamber 3015 and finally flows out of the combination treatment assembly3001 via outlet 3003, to be delivered to the downstream pool fordisinfection of the larger body of water.

Similar to combination treatment assembly 2001 described above,combination treatment assembly 3001 includes a flow rate monitoringswitch 3005 disposed in first fluid passageway 3011 as shown in FIGS. 17and 18 . This flow rate monitoring switch 3005 may be connected to ozonegenerator 3 and/or the electrolytic chlorine generator (e.g. electrode3004) such that a flow in first fluid passageway 3011 that is unable topivot flapper 3006 upwardly toward switch 3008 will deactivate thecorresponding component.

Monitoring switch 3005 may act to protect electrode 3004 in the samemanner discussed above with respect to monitoring switch 2005 andtitanium plate 2004. In addition, using switch 3005 to deactivate ozonegenerator 3 may ensure that ozone is not presented to suction inlet 3013(FIG. 16 ) except when a vacuum effect can be produced in venturistructure 3012A, 3012B by adequate flow through the second passageway3012. If the fluid flow is does not meet a predetermined threshold forproduction of an adequate venturi effect, the upstream electrolyticchlorine generator and/or ozone generator 3 may be deactivated unlessand until such predetermined threshold is met.

4. Insulated Electrolytic Chlorine Generator

Turning now to FIGS. 22-27 , another electrolytic chlorine generatorsuitable for use in connection with ozone generator 3 of water treatmentsystem 10, or as a stand-alone unit, is electrolytic chlorine generator4010 having a body 4001 with insulated electrode plate assembly 4002contained therein.

As best seen in FIGS. 23 and 26-27 , insulated electrode plate assembly4002 includes one or more electrode plates 4021 (illustratively, threeplates 4021 as best seen in FIG. 27 ) located in the body 4001 andmounted to an insulating base 4022 fixed to body 4001. Where multipleelectrode plates 4021 are employed as shown, the plates 4021 arearranged and fixed side by side on the insulating base 4022. One of thetwo adjacent electrode plates 4021 is close to the side edge of theother electrode plate 4021 and contacts an insulating assembly 4023(FIG. 23 ) protruding out from the side edge of the other electrodeplate 4021. Insulating assembly 4023 is, in turn, connected to theinsulating base 4022. This arrangement poses a barrier to the formationof an electrical connection between the edges of two adjacent electrodeplates 4021 through the insulating assembly 4023, such that currentleakage can be avoided at the edges of the adjacent electrode plates4021. Reduced current leakage results in a concomitantly reduced loss ofelectrolysis and thus increased electrolysis efficiency.

Referring to FIG. 22 , body 4001 is formed by the combination of agenerally bucket-shaped portion A and having a lid B fitted to the openupper end thereof. A vent aperture 4011 is provided for discharginghydrogen via the top of tank body 4001. One or more fluid inlets 4012allow for fluid (e.g., salt water) inflow and fluid outlet 4013 allowsfor discharging sodium hypochlorite solution at the bottom of body 4001.In the illustrated embodiment, two fluid inlets 4012 are provided, whichallows for the inflow of saturated salt water and fresh waterrespectively.

By controlling the respective saturated- and fresh-water inflows of therespective fluid inlets 4012, the salt concentration of the fluidcontained inside body 4001 can be controlled, thus the solubility of thesodium hypochlorite solution produced by electrolysis can also becontrolled. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , two float switches 4015corresponding to two different water levels may be provided in body 4001in order to facilitate the control over the respective fluid flows toeach fluid inlet 4012.

Referring to FIG. 23 , a mounting hole 4014 is formed in the side wallof body 4001 which is sized to receive the insulating base 4022. Base4022 can be fixed in the mounting hole 4014 together with plates 4021and insulating assembly 4023, as illustrated. Insulating base 4022further includes a terminal post 4221 electrically connected to eachelectrode plate 4021 to supply power to the electrode plate 4021. In anexemplary embodiment, electrode plates 4021 are made of titanium,similar to plates 2004 and 3004 described in detail above, to preventcorrosion and facilitate electrolysis. Moreover, plates 2004 and 3004described above may be formed using the same principles of insulationand modular mounting described herein with respect to electrolyticchlorine generator 4010.

With reference to FIGS. 25-27 , insulating assembly 4023 includes aninsulating frame 4231, at least one upper insulating separator 4232 andat least one lower insulating separator 4233 (FIG. 27 ). Insulatingframe 4231 is fixed to the insulating base 4022. A plurality of slots,best shown in FIG. 27 , are provided at the inner surfaces of the frontand back walls of frame 4231. These slots allow electrode plates 4021 tobe vertically inserted (i.e., along a top-to-bottom direction from theperspective of FIGS. 25 and 27 ) into the insulating frame 4231, suchthat the each plate 4021 is held at a distance from the adjacentplate(s) 4231.

The upper and lower edges of adjacent electrode plates 4021 are furtherelectrically isolated by upper insulating separator 4232 and a lowerinsulating separator 4233, respectively. The front and back ends ofupper insulating separators 4232 are respectively connected to the frontand back walls of the upper portion of insulating frame 4231, such thatthe upper edges of upper insulating separators 4232 upwardly protrudeaway from the upper edge of the adjacent electrode plate 4021.Similarly, the front and back ends of lower insulating separator 4233are respectively connected to the front and back walls of at the lowerportion of insulating frame 4231, such that the lower edge of lowerinsulating separator 4233 protrudes downwardly away from the lower edgeof the adjacent electrode plate 4021. In this configuration, adjacentedges of electrode plates 4021 can be physically close one another, butshielded from one another by the insulating assembly 4023 via insulatingframe 4231, upper insulating separator 4232 and lower insulatingseparator 4233.

In the illustrated embodiment, three electrode plates 4021 are includedin electrolytic chlorine generator 4010, and fixed in position relativeto one another by insulating frame 4231. With reference to FIG. 27 , theleft and right sides of the three electrode plates 4021 are mutuallyopposite to, and facing each other. In this configuration, the leftplate 4021 may be the first anode plate, the middle plate 4021 may bethe cathode plate, and right plate 4021 may be the second anode plate.This arrangement of plates 4021 allows for a high throughput of saltwater and production of sodium hypochlorite. Further, the upperinsulating separators 4232 and the lower insulating separator 4233 maybe arranged such that the upper and lower edges of the right side of the(left-most) first anode plate 4021 are respectively in contact with theleft pair of upper and lower insulating separators 4232 and 4233. Inaddition, the upper and lower edges of the right side of the (middle)cathode plate 4021 are respectively in contact with the right pair ofupper and lower insulating separators 4232 and 4233. In thisarrangement, the (right-most) second anode plate 4021 need not be indirect contact with any of the upper and lower insulating separators4232 and 4233. This arrangement provides effective electrical insulationbetween the respective plates 4021.

Alternatively, the respective left sides of the (middle) cathode plate4021 and the (right-most) second anode plate 4021 may be contacted attheir upper and lower edges by respective pairs of upper and lowerinsulating separators 4232 and 4233. In this arrangement, the(left-most) first anode plate 4021 need not be in direct contact withany of the upper and lower insulating separators 4232 and 4233. Thisalternative arrangement will also product effective electricalinsulation between the respective plates 4021.

The insulation arrangement provided by electrolytic chlorine generator4010 allows for efficient generation of sodium hypochlorite bymitigating or eliminating current leakage among the electrode plates4021. In the absence of such current leakage, the efficiency of theelectrolysis process is improved such that sodium hypochlorite may beproduced with a minimal power input.

The foregoing sections have provided disclosure of various elements of acommon water treatment design, including a modularly replaceable ozonegenerator, a float-based valve which protects against water backflowfrom a pool to an ozone generator element, an electrolytic chlorinegenerator that generates sodium hypochlorite for water treatment, and aset of combination treatment assemblies that allow ozone and sodiumhypochlorite to be efficiently combined in the process of treating waterwith both treatment modalities. Any and all of the foregoing featuresmay be combined into a single design, such as water treatment system 10,or any selected subset of the foregoing features may be combined asrequired or desired for a particular application. Moreover, it iscontemplated that some features of the foregoing designs may be used inconjunction with traditional designs, for example, the float-based valveof FIGS. 5-12 may be combined with a traditional ozone generator, any ofthe flow assemblies may be combined with traditional electrolyticchlorine generator and/or traditional ozone generators, and any otherlike combinations of traditional and inventive features may be made.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water treatment system configured for use witha pool, the water treatment system comprising: an electrolytic chlorinegenerator; an ozone generator; and a treatment assembly including atube-shaped tank, comprising: a first fluid passageway including theelectrolytic chlorine generator; a second fluid passageway including aventuri structure with a suction inlet configured to receive ozone gasfrom the ozone generator; a fluid inlet in communication with the firstand second fluid passageways; and a fluid outlet in communication withthe first and second fluid passageways.
 2. The water treatment system ofclaim 1, further comprising a mixing chamber positioned downstream ofthe electrolytic chlorine generator and the ozone generator andpositioned upstream of the fluid outlet.
 3. The water treatment systemof claim 1, wherein the first fluid passageway includes a flow ratemonitor configured to activate the electrolytic chlorine generator witha sufficient fluid flow through the first fluid passageway anddeactivate the electrolytic chlorine generator with an insufficientfluid flow through the first fluid passageway.
 4. The water treatmentsystem of claim 3, further comprising a switch operatively coupled to apivot flapper disposed along the first fluid passageway to monitor aflow rate within the first fluid passageway.
 5. The water treatmentsystem of claim 4, wherein with a sufficient flow of fluid through thefirst passageway the switch activates the electrolytic chlorinegenerator.
 6. The water treatment system of claim 5, wherein the pivotflapper pivots toward the switch to cause the switch to activate theelectrolytic chlorine generator.
 7. The water treatment system of claim6, wherein with an insufficient flow of fluid through the firstpassageway, the pivot flapper is unable to pivot toward the switch, sothe electrolytic chlorine generator is deactivated.
 8. The watertreatment system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid passageway includesa flow restrictor configured to divert flow to the second fluidpassageway.
 9. The water treatment system of claim 8, wherein the flowrestrictor is disposed at an upstream end of the first fluid passagewayrelative to the electrolytic chlorine generator.
 10. The water treatmentsystem of claim 9, wherein the flow restrictor comprises: a valve bodywith an inlet end and an outlet end; a base disposed at the outlet endof the valve body; a fluid outlet formed between the base and the valvebody; a valve disposed within the valve body and cooperating with thevalve body to selectively permit or restrict flow through the valve; anda spring operatively coupled to the valve to bias the valve towards aclosed position relative to the valve body.
 11. The water treatmentsystem of claim 10, wherein the valve includes a longitudinal connectingportion having an end cap at an upstream end, and the flow restrictorfurther includes a limit block having an inner diameter smaller thanthat of the valve body, with a valve seat formed as a stepped-downportion of the limit block and configured to interact with the end capof the valve body to regulate fluid flow through the valve.
 12. Thewater treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a housing thatsupports the electrolytic chlorine generator and the ozone generator,wherein the ozone generator is removably coupled to the housing.
 13. Thewater treatment system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic chlorinegenerator includes electrode plates.
 14. The water treatment system ofclaim 13, wherein the electrode plates are titanium electrode plates.15. The water treatment system of claim 14, further comprising aretainer disposed within the first fluid passageway, the retainerretaining the titanium electrode plates and having a plurality ofapertures to allow fluid contact with the titanium electrode plates. 16.The water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic chlorinegenerator and the venturi structure are combined into a single unit. 17.A water treatment system configured for use with a pool, the watertreatment system comprising: a housing defining a chamber, the chamberhaving a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a fluid flow monitor disposedwithin the housing along a first direction relative to the fluid inlet;and a treatment electrode disposed along the first direction relative tothe fluid flow monitor, wherein the fluid flow monitor comprises a pivotflapper positioned proximate the fluid inlet and distal the fluidoutlet.
 18. The water treatment system of claim 17, wherein a fluidpasses from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet along the firstdirection.
 19. The water treatment system of claim 17, wherein the pivotflapper includes a pivot configuration wherein the pivot flapper pivotstoward the fluid flow monitor in response to a sufficient fluid flowthrough the first fluid passageway, and a rest configuration wherein thepivot flapper pivots away from the fluid flow monitor in response to aninsufficient fluid flow through the first fluid passageway.
 20. Thewater treatment system of claim 19, wherein, in the pivot configuration,the treatment electrode is activated, and wherein, in the restconfiguration, the treatment electrode is deactivated.